Presentation case for transporting, storing and displaying presentation material

ABSTRACT

A presentation capsule is provided for the display, transport and protection of A2 or A3 sized documents including: a rigid body including at least two body portions configured for opening and closing in locking engagement with each other; a handle portion having different material to the body and formed into and extending from the body; a base also being of different material to the body and formed into and extending from the body; wherein, in combination, the handle portion and base are configured for self-supporting the case on a surface without contact of the body with the surface.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2011902004 in the name of FOGI Pty Ltd, which was filed on 24 May 2011, and entitled “Method and Apparatus for Storing and Displaying Webbed Sheet Material including Documents and Graphic Prints” and the specification thereof is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of display, transport and protection of documents and other like items. In one form, the invention relates to a portfolio case suitable for use by designers, architects, and/or salespeople. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to its use as a presentation capsule for the display, transport and protection of A2 or A3 sized documents. However it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use, only.

BACKGROUND ART

Throughout this specification the use of the word “inventor” in singular form may be taken as reference to one (singular) inventor or more than one (plural) inventor of the present invention.

It is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and/or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor's knowledge and experience and, accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant an in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein.

A need exists for a presentation and display case for people in the creative industries such as fashion, interior and graphic designers, photographers, artists, architects, engineers and, sales people. To date, it is considered that a stylish yet functional presentation case has not been sufficiently provided to these markets. For example, existing presentation and display cases may be fabricated by bag manufacturers or display case manufacturers and are not necessarily mindful of a designer's considerations for a professional product that meets the functional needs while at the same time providing an appropriate appearance to enhance the presentation event for all participants.

With respect to bags, whilst large and small bags exists, they have limited function and are often not durable. Furthermore, they are often on the whole not aesthetically pleasing. It is considered that to date technology suitable for providing a display case that presents in a professional and aesthetically appropriate way becomes expensive to the point it inhibits most consumers of such products leaving only a few to opt for a very expensive product, which often has limited application and functions basically as a carry bag for presentation material.

Research in the Australian marketplace and internationally via the Internet reveals that, though presentation cases exist, very few come in the A2 standard document size and above. In addition those that do exist in A2 and A3 size, for example, are more geared for practicality of immediate use rather than durability, functionality and, in particular, “look and feel”.

There are also low cost art cases or expensive briefcase-come-laptop holder bags, which are predominantly soft cover carriers. It is considered that even the luxury end of the briefcase market offers limited protection and functionality for the transport, protection and display of presentation material.

The lack of readily available appropriately sized presentation cases which are stylish, functional and durable has forced some companies and design houses to have one-offs custom made at great expense.

With particular reference to related art products, display and carrying cases as well as modifications to cases for presentation and work space are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,267,905 (Stewart) discloses a portable display rack and sample carrying case and U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,006 (Mundle) discloses a convertible briefcase/table. The display rack and sample carrying case of Stewart includes a rack which comprises a pair of spaced apart telescoping tubes releasably attached to the carrying case and extending vertically upward therefrom. A plurality of elongated planar shelf supports including a tube engaging aperture formed in one end are slidingly distributed along the length of the tubes. A plurality of shelves extend between the supports. The display rack may be disassembled and stored within the cover of the display case and retained therein by a pair of elastic straps fastened at their ends to an inside surface of the cover. This device does not lend itself to protection and display of documentary material and retains the look and feel of a box with its older style of case design. Further more, U.S. Pat. No. 4,267,905 is fabricated in the style of an old fashioned trunk for sea voyages and is structured to display clothing and footwear. It is large and cumbersome, lacks an aesthetic design, and does not appear strong enough to protect paper and cards. As such, it is not suitable for the storage and transportation of A2 and oversized A3 paper or card products that are used by designers, photographers, advertisers, architects, or engineers to store, transport, and show their work.

The device of Mundle is a convertible briefcase/table for providing a user carrying a briefcase with a convenient work table where none may be readily available. The convertible briefcase/table includes a case assembly having a base member, and also having a cover member being hingedly attached to the base member; and also includes a tabletop being hingedly attached to the case assembly; and further includes a tabletop support assembly including brackets being attached to the tabletop and also including support legs being hingedly attached to the brackets; and also includes a fastening assembly for fastening the tabletop to the cover member; and further includes a case support assembly being attached to the case assembly for standing the case assembly upon a surface. The mechanisms included in this device make it unwieldy for a stylish display of presentation material and more suitable as a working surface per se.

The Mundle device appears to be a box with a hinged lid with legs that can be attached so that it forms a table. It could potentially house A2 and oversized A3 papers and card. However the hinged lid is limited in its range of movement and does not appear able to stand paper drawings/plans upright for display. The box appears sturdy, however it lacks design flair and appears cumbersome to carry.

In German patent publication DE 10206533 (Gruber) a hinge and locking assembly for a briefcase is disclosed. The briefcase is made of three rigid shells. The lid of the briefcase has a rectangular flat top part and straight side walls. A first hinge on the edge of one of the sidewalls connects the lid to the bottom portion of the briefcase. There is a handle on the wall opposite the hinge. The bottom portion of the briefcase is divided into two equal portions with a second hinge in the middle of the bottom. Links are hinged to the sidewalls of the first bottom portion which is hinged to the lid. Plugs on the free ends of the links can engage in holes in the sides of the lid or in the sides of the second bottom portion. In this way, the briefcase may be reassembled to form a display stand or case but does not provide a suitable display means for quality documentation or other presentation material in a stylish and fashionable way. Furthermore, the complexity of construction makes the case of Gruber unwieldy for documentary or 2-D material. The Gruber invention is not suitable for A2 or oversized A3 papers or cards. It appears to be the size of a little jewellery box and is suited to displaying watches and other items of about that size. The device of Gruber does not allow large papers and documents to be propped upright for display. The Gruber case is functional and appears sturdy however it is not functional for large A2 and A3 papers nor does it have an aesthetically pleasing design. It is clunky and lacks the design “wow” factor.

German utility model publication DE 20319146 discloses a locking system for a folder or briefcase. The locking system for a folder or briefcase has a spring loaded locking catch mounted on one section and automatically locking onto a housing on another parallel section. The catch is fitted near to the carrying handle and enables the catch to be released by finger pressure without releasing the grip on the handle, i.e. it enables a one handed operation. Whilst this document may disclose a more convenient lock for a folder or briefcase, it does not teach any means for providing a stylish yet functional presentation case.

A briefcase attachment is disclosed in GB 2,292,308 (Warner). Warner teaches an attachment for a hinged-lid portable container such as a briefcase which, is in the form of a strip for interconnection with the catches of a briefcase and means, eg a clamp or rings, for supporting sheets of paper to form a flipchart. The interconnection may be adjustable along the length of the strip and a strut may be provided to hold the briefcase open whilst the flipchart is in use. This system serves only as an accessory to existing briefcases or containers, which have their own deficiencies as noted above and, furthermore, the system of Warner does not provide protection for presentation material and moreover, is reliant on rings or a clamp to suspend the material for display and is not considered practical for a variety of uses. The Warner device is quite clunky as it is necessary to attach a ring binder flipchart to the briefcase and then remove same to close the case. Accordingly, the design is only suitable for flipcharts.

DE19818764 discloses a suitcase that is closed with two specifically shaped metal profiles and has a surrounding border positioned between the profiles and their side walls. The corners of the suitcase are made as separate elements and are only fixed to the side wall and the surrounding border giving the suitcase stability. The overall shape of the suitcase is slightly rounded. The suitcase of DE19818764 and other cases manufactured by the Applicant of DE19818764 are predominantly manufactured as extruded side and corner shapes which are then filed in with the sides.

DE29904675 discloses a PC case and appears, from its drawings to disclose abutment features “56” that are disposed as add-on components to the outer shell of the case. As such these may be prone to dislodgement in use.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,650 discloses a case for draftsmen that permits a draftsman or student to carry materials at various locations. There is provided a case which encloses the materials and also contains a lid-support mechanism which locks at various positions. One exterior surface of the case is a drawing surface, and the lid-support mechanism permits it to be retained, when in use, at a desired angle with respect to the horizontal.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art systems or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art systems.

In accordance with embodiments described herein there is provided a presentation case adapted for transporting, storing and displaying presentation material comprising:

-   a rigid body comprising at least two body portions adapted for     opening and closing in locking engagement with each other; -   a handle portion comprising different material to the body and     formed into and extending from the body; -   a base also comprising different material to the body and formed     into and extending from the body; -   wherein, in combination, the handle portion and base are adapted for     self-supporting the case on a surface without contact of the body     with the surface.

The presentation case may further comprise a hinge mechanism adjacent the base adapted for opening the at least two body portions with respect to each other such that presentation material located inside the case is displayed wherein the hinge has stiffness sufficient to retain the body portions at an opened position.

Preferably, the base comprises footings adapted for supporting the case in a standing and/or a lying down position.

In preferred embodiments, the presentation case further comprises a support extrusion that spans a curved end portion of the case and which is adapted to hold the elements of the case together.

At least one of the body portions may comprise an opening mechanism including a finger operated latch located through the handle portion of the case which activates studs which engage apertures on the other body portion for releasably opening the case. The opening mechanism may form part of the support extrusion.

Advantageously, the presentation case comprises a rigid lid which can be tilted to about 105 degrees and which has protruding supports which allows card to be propped up and displayed.

As noted either the handle and/or base portion upon which the case may rest thereby protects both the body of the case and the surface upon which it is resting and, furthermore, the base hinge portion acts as “feet” for the case enabling the case to be stood up.

In other embodiments there is provided a method of displaying presentation material comprising use of the presentation case as disclosed herein. In the preferred method of display, the presentation material comprises one or a combination of:

-   documents; -   artwork; -   plans; -   design drawings.

Other aspects and preferred forms are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention.

In essence, embodiments of the present invention stem from the realisation that there are no portfolio cases on the market that are functional, providing adequate protection for the works within, and, provide the user with confidence by having an aesthetically pleasing appearance and looking good. In the inventor's eye, there was a need for something that made a statement about the owner of the capsule as well as being a practical vehicle for presenting materials for display and general presentation. That is, a key attribute underlying the preferred embodiments is the speed and simplicity with which one can set up and present one's work. In this respect, the plastic handle in combination with the hinge at the base of the capsule serving as feet so that the capsule can be stood up, allows the presenter to place the capsule down on a surface without damaging either the capsule or the surface upon which it is laid because it raises the body of the capsule off the surface to provide a sufficient clearance, preferably by about 3 mm. The capsule can then be easily opened with one hand by lifting the single action catch and lifting the lid portion of the capsule. The lid is designed to tilt to an appropriate angle for presentation, in one embodiment this being about 110 degrees, which enables the presenter to place presentation cards or papers in the lid resting upon two small extruded platforms. The way it is designed allows for quick and efficient smooth operation allowing the presenter to converse and engage with his audience whilst setting up.

Approaching the concept of a presentation case from a designer's perspective as opposed to a luggage manufacturer has, in the inventor's opinion, created a unique look, feel and function to embodiments of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the identified problems with related art have been addressed by provision of a two part anodised aluminium case featuring “clip-together and screw construction” along with integrated hinge, handle and closure mechanisms, the case being stable in the open position. Advantages that may be offered over prior art devices include: An improved level of protection for contents compared to the protection offered by an ordinary plastic “flip-book” type product; “Clip together and screwed construction” may avoid the high cost of metal moulding tooling, and avoids costs in welding and grinding back corners of the shell during manufacture; Users of the embodiment are not required to continuously hold it in the open position whilst presenting the content in the case, thus reducing distractions to both the user and the audience during a presentation. The embodiment imparts an image of stylish professionalism, and in one preferred aspect, this is achieved by providing curved ends to the body of the capsule through the use of a single sheet of metal such as aluminium. This contrasts with the less professional image conveyed by ordinary plastic “flip-book” type products.

By way of further example, the problem of fatigue in the hand/arm of the user due to carrying of a heavy case (either a document display case or another type of case) has been addressed by provision of a recessed, retractable shoulder strap mechanism. Advantages that, the inventor perceives may be offered over prior art methods include: The mechanism's ability to retract the strap into an internal recess in the case means the strap does not hinder the overall external appearance or handling of the case when the strap is not in use.

Further advantages provided by the present invention comprise the following:

-   The capsule of preferred embodiments has a simple functional design     in that a user may open the capsule and rest A2 or oversized A3 card     or paper in the lid for display. -   There are no legs nor a requirement for legs on the capsule of     preferred embodiments as it is intended to be placed on tables in     boardrooms or meeting rooms when presenting work to a client while     protecting the desktop and the aluminium on the capsule. -   Sturdy construction to protect contents of the capsule. -   Ability to use the capsule to display work by resting papers or card     in the opened lid. -   A design piece which is noticed and makes the user look professional     and good. -   Unique hinge and handle design which protects the surface of a table     when it is laid down to be opened. -   Unique hinge design which acts as “feet” for the capsule enabling     the capsule to be stood up. -   Iconic look. -   A retractable strap which is hidden when not in use.

Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary presentation case in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an exemplary presentation case in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an exemplary presentation case in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary presentation case in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side end view of an exemplary presentation case in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary presentation case in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective front view of an exemplary presentation case in an example opened position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective rear view of an exemplary presentation case in an example opened position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective front view of an exemplary presentation case for A3 sized documents in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective side view of the case of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective front view of an exemplary presentation case for A2 sized documents in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective side view of the case of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention suitable for A4 sized documents;

FIG. 15 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention suitable for A4 sized documents;

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention suitable for A4 sized documents;

FIG. 17 is a bottom end view of an embodiment of the present invention suitable for A4 sized documents;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention suitable for A4 sized documents;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention suitable for A4 sized documents in an opened position;

FIG. 20 is a side end view of an embodiment of the present invention suitable for A4 sized documents;

FIGS. 21 to 24 are front, bottom perspective, top perspective and side end views of a further embodiment of the present invention in which a protective covering is included for a capsule suited for A3 documents;

FIGS. 25 to 28 are front, bottom perspective, top perspective and side end views of a further embodiment of the present invention in which a protective covering is included for a capsule suited for A4 documents;

FIGS. 29 and 30 are perspective views of a capsule showing a carrying assistance means in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 illustrates an alternate catch mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 12, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a lightweight but sturdy and functional presentation case having a body 6 constructed of aluminium along with handle 7 and base 3 portions of plastic with adaptable inner liners 8 to suit different needs. FIGS. 1 to 6 and 9 to 12 show the presentation case 10 in its closed position where a lid portion 10 a of body 6 fits snugly into locked and parallel orientation with opposed portion 10 b of the body 6. FIGS. 7 and 8 show the presentation case 10 in its open position where opposed portion 10 b lays flat on a surface 11 such as a desk top.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary presentation case 10 in perspective view. The presentation case 10 is able to stand up on its bottom end 1 when it is closed by virtue of the footings 2 extending from the base 3, discussed in more detail below. Preferably, the footings 2 are integrally formed with the base 3, as shown, but separate footings 2 may be constructed for connection to the base 3.

The opening mechanism 4 a to 4 e shown in more detail in FIGS. 7 and 8 allows for the case to open up to an obtuse angle, preferably to about 105° from the closed position where the two halves of the body 6, namely lid portion 10 a and opposed portion 10 b, are lockingly engaged shut in parallel orientation to one another. Opening to this extent allows for the presentation case 10 to be used for upright presentations of material situated within the case 10.

The presentation case 10 is adapted for accommodating any number of forms of presentation material such as for example:

-   Legal or business documents; -   2-D artwork; -   Engineering and/or design drawings; -   Architectural plans and/or drawings; -   Large format photographs; -   Advertising and/or publicity materials for display; -   Sales samples

For these purposes, it is preferred that at least two or more sizes of case 10 are provided, for instance A2 and oversized A3. An A2 sized case 10 is shown in perspective front and perspective side views in FIGS. 11 and 12, respectively. An A3 sized case 10 is shown in perspective front and perspective side views in FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10, respectively.

In the larger form, for example suitable for accommodating A3 sized material, the presentation case 10 may be used as a laptop carry bag or trendy briefcase. In this respect, shoulder straps (see FIGS. 29 and 30) may be incorporated into the structure of the case 10 at suitable locations such as from the upper portions of the body 6 or from the integral handle portion 7. The shoulder straps may be retractable.

It is envisaged that the presentation case 10 may be personalised by embossing a logo or initials into the aluminium body 6. For example, a company could make use of multiple cases 10 or an individual could have their initials on the case 10. For an upmarket version of the case 10, this would provide uniqueness.

The case opening mechanism 4 a-4 e comprises a push button spring release system that will slightly open the lid half 10 a of the body 6 of case 10 to enable fingers to grasp the lid portion 10 a and raise it to a user chosen stop point. The hinge mechanism 4 a provides some resistance, tension or stiffness in the up and down movement of the lid portion 10 a of the case 10 with respect to the opposing portion 10 b of the case 10 to allow a user to move the lid 10 a to an appropriate position for display or opening without further movement once the user takes their hand away from the lid 10 a. This precipitates a need for the user to push up or down for movements but the lid 10 a will not collapse or shut by itself after it is moved into the desired position by a user.

The case 10 may have a locking device in the form of the opening mechanism 4 a-4 e. Further, it is envisaged that the case may be made tamper proof by way of having a unique key for operating the opening mechanism 4 a-4 e. It is envisaged that the tamper proof locking means is a very simple device which won't look like a “normal” key but will be custom made for the case.

In use, the body 6 will be what is seen and felt first by users. Its overall impression will be of a slimline quality body that is supported with a creative stand or ‘pair of feet’ in the form of the footings 2, a good handle 7 and a promise of great things inside. The base 3 and handle 7 comprising durable plastic composition have similar overall design features to the eye and further serve the function of protection of the metallic body 6. By virtue of the base 3 and the handle 7 extending from the top and bottom portions of the presentation case 10, the body will be kept from contact with any surface that it is located upon so both the case and the surface upon which it has been placed is protected.

The impact of different surface treatments for the aluminium body 6 may provide quite different effects. In this respect different combinations of colour and/or texture for the base 3, handle 7 and body 6 can be offered so that for example, companies can brand their own presentation case creating a sales presentation opportunity. The handle is made of 2 pieces 7 a and 7 b as best shown in FIG. 13. Handle portion 7 a being the main inner part and 7 b being an insert (handle outer) which enables invisible or concealed from view connection of the handle to the body and an opportunity for 7 b to be moulded in a separate colour.

In the top curve portion 12 of the case there is a folded metal bracket indicated by 14 in FIG. 13, that spans the top and holds the case 10 together. This also accommodates the handle 7 a, and 7 b, the opening mechanism's latch 4 d and 4 e

The bracket 14, in conjunction with an end plugs 15 in FIG. 13, captures the aluminium body 10 b and secures it by way of the end plugs 15 protruding through the outer layer of aluminium 10 b then the plastic side mouldings 16 and into the metal bracket 14. The end plugs 15 clip into place securing all three elements 10 b, 16 and 14 together which all adds strength to the case 10. In its finished design the mechanisms that hold the case 10 together will not be seen and the opening mechanism will be obscured to leave a very ‘clean’ look outside as well as inside the case 10 when opened.

The plastic mouldings 16 and 17 in FIG. 13 span from top to bottom on the base 10 b and the lid 10 a and form the corners and sides of the case. The base sides 16 are then joined by the base plastic moulding 20 which runs along the back and secures into the hinge 3 by way of four fasteners, preferably screws. The screws are then hidden with the cover moulds 21. For the lid portion 10 a the same applies as for the base portion 10 b with the side mouldings 17 locking into 19 and then screwed into hinge 3 to form a strong clean inside to the case 10. The moulded side pieces will also be taped to the side aluminium walls with an industrial double sided tape which will also add to the strength of the case.

A cover plate of anodised aluminium 13 covers the metal bracket 14 and is attached to the metal bracket 14 with two small screws. This cover plate 13 will also be able to be engraved with personal and general information. The cover plate 13 also completes the clean inside edging and helps stop papers or display material moving around inside and being damaged on any extruding parts or case mechanism.

The plastic moulding 18 in FIG. 13 is the cover piece that fits into the lip of the lid 10 a and also locates and receives the catch 4 d and 4 e which also keeps the case lid shut when fully closed. A folded spring 4 c also extrudes out of 14 in a small U shape and is then connected into 4 d and 4 e. This spring is depressed when the lid 10 a is closed so that when the catch is released the spring acts to push the case lid open slightly enabling the lid to be grasped and opened fully.

The handle outer 7 a, and handle inner 7 b are made of high quality hard nylon fibreglass mix or an equivalently suitable polymer. Although other materials could be used, even wood, it is polymer that is preferred. Such polymer as hard nylon fibreglass mix may be fabricated in any colour. The shape combined with the manufacture provides the handle 7 a as being lightly textured and subtle as possible but retains its holding together feel. Preferably, the handle is cut into the body 6 of the case 10 as shown in the figures to keep a low profile and as such it does not fold back or swivel out of the way but remains a firm supporting structure for the case 10.

Likewise the base hinge 3 provides a supporting and protective structure for the case 10. The base, like the handle portion 7, spans and supports the join of the lid portion 10 a and the opposed portion 10 b and not only holds the case 10 together but also acts as the hinge and slightly raised support, via footings 2 that extend not only longitudinally but also transversely of the case, for the case 10 when it's standing upright or lying down, respectively. The base 3 including footings 2 is fabricated from the same materials as the handle portion 7 and would include similar colour options.

Within the case 10 are liners 8, which can be made in a number of ways and may comprise a variety of materials. Depending on the particular presentations materials to be inserted into the case 10, the liners 8 may be adapted to the different applications and intended use of the case 10. The primary role of the liners 8 are for protection of the presentation material and support during transport. Even though the liners 8 are hidden from view inside the case during transport and upon opening with presentation material inside, they are required to provide a good impression that when the case is opened it is clear that the presentation material is being looked after.

With reference to FIGS. 7,8 and 13, there is a liner 8 made of three layers of material which covers both the lid and base inner surfaces. The liners 8 run from top to bottom and side to side going slightly under the plastic mouldings 16, 20, 19, 17, and 13 and 18 in FIG. 13. The top layer is of a quality material which is bonded with two other layers, one being 2-3 mm thick foam then a bottom layer that is bonded to the underside of the foam to form a sandwich type layer. The material is then embossed with a pattern and logo. The embossing depresses the design (small circles) into the foam layer to the bottom third layer giving the effect of raised and lowered surfaces. This type of surface not only looks good but has a cushioning effect and gives a slight grip to the products inside so they do not slide around too easily. We felt that a lot of other cases had slippery material that was not thick enough to protect the product nor to stop things slipping around inside.

The A4 model shown in FIGS. 14-20 uses the same concept and shape as the A3 and A2 models shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. The A4 model can be used in the same way as the A2 and A3 models though will be generally more for business use as a document holder than for large presentations. The design is split in two equal halves of aluminium portions 23 and with a handle portion 22 plus a hinge base 24. By offsetting the feet on the hinge base 24 it will be able to be opened to 180 degrees (FIG. 19) and lie flat on the table. When closed it will also be able to stand up as in FIG. 18 which is a big advantage over other A4 type cases or folders. Also like the A2 and A3 models the base hinge 24 and handle portion 22 will protect the aluminium portions 23 from touching the table surface. A small scallop 25 in handle portion 22 will act as a small gripping place for picking it up. The liner inside will be the same as the A2 and A3 models. The plastic inner moulds are moulded in one piece and will lock together in a tongue and grove type effect with the other half on the sides helping to stop papers escaping out the side and also holding the sides together. The hinges are attached in a similar way as the A2 and A3 models and covered with a plastic cover piece to hide the attachment holes. There will be a small amount of resistance in the hinge using roll pins so that a user may use the A4 model as a small presentation platform by opening one half up to the angle that is desired. This is a significant advantage over other A4 products which do not have the presentation facility. The Opening catch is a simple push button 26 (see FIG. 16) which will enable the case to separate and open. An alternate embodiment for an opening catch is shown in FIG. 31. In the embodiment of FIG. 31, a moulded plastic catch A slots into handle part B and is placed under tension by spring steel wire C so that when the 2 halves of the capsule are closed the catch A slots into a cavity in handle D and, with the tension from the spring wire C it holds it in place and stops the capsule opening. To open the capsule the user simply pushes the button E at the centre of the catch A.

In FIGS. 29 and 30 a retractable strap is shown that would retract into the metal bracket 14 shown in FIG. 13 when not in use by way of a spring loaded coil inside the bracket. To use you simply pull out the end and extend out and over to the other side where it clips onto a small button situated at end plugs 15 of FIG. 13.

FIGS. 21 to 28 show a simple form of packaging made from various recycled pulp product to form a protective outer packaging that captures the case on the plastic hinge and handle while leaving a 10 mm air gap around the rest of the case. The packaging will be able to stand up by way of footings 29 and in FIG. 21 shows the packaging assisting the capsule to be carried like a normal case using handle inserts 28. The hinge system is created using strong tape inside and out along the bottom. It is envisaged that this packaging will provide a unique method of transporting the case while giving maximum protection. The packaging can be used again. The use of recycled moulded pulp saves on the traditional methods of printed cardboard packaging and moulded foam shapes to protect the product.

While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface to secure wooden parts together, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw are equivalent structures.

“Comprises/comprising” and “includes/including” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’ and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”. 

1. A presentation case configured for transporting, storing and displaying presentation material, comprising: a rigid body comprising at least two body portions configured for opening and closing in locking engagement with each other; a handle portion comprising different material to the body and formed into and extending from the body; a base also comprising different material to the body and formed into and extending from the body; wherein, in combination, the handle portion and base are configured for self-supporting the case on a surface without contact of the body with the surface.
 2. A presentation case as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a hinge mechanism adjacent the base configured for opening the at least two body portions with respect to each other such that presentation material located inside the case is displayed wherein the hinge has stiffness sufficient to retain the body portions at an opened position.
 3. A presentation case as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base comprises footings configured for supporting the case in a standing and/or a lying down position.
 4. A presentation case as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a support extrusion that spans a curved end portion of the case and which is configured for holding the elements of the case together.
 5. A presentation case as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of the body portions comprises an opening mechanism including a finger operated latch located through the handle portion of the case which activates studs which engage apertures on the other body portion for releasably opening the case.
 6. A presentation case as claimed in claim 5 wherein the opening mechanism forms part of the support extrusion.
 7. A method of displaying presentation material comprising use of the presentation case as claimed in claim
 1. 8. A method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the presentation material comprises one or a combination of: documents; artwork; plans; design drawings
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled) 